What to changing plugs and wires

[BoatsRcool]

Ok, I got bosch NORMAL platnums for my explorer today. Then I got Xact wires. What all Do I need to change my plugs and wires?

 

[leebo]

new plugs and new wires. Add a socket wrench and a spark plug socket and you're ready


ps......you're good to go. It's a simple job. Good luck.

 

[BoatsRcool]

thank ya leebo, oh yeh, i guess I dont need that special tool to remove the wires from the spark plugs do i?

 

[ntrpriz]

You wont need the wire removal tool, but be warned that the wires are on the plugs real good. They are hard to pull off. The tool to take them off will make it easier.

Might I suggest you also get a 3 and a 6 inch extension and a universal joint for the socket wrench. Its a tight fit and these will make it a lot easier.

Also, the last plug on the passenger side is easier to get at from the wheel well.

 

[BoatsRcool]

alright thanks. man i tried to unscrew one today just to screw around, they tighten those babys good.

 

[leebo]

just be careful....you break one of those plugs off in the engine....you're SOL. So take your time and you'll be fine.

 

[Rhett]

When I did it, I could not get a wire puller to fit in there.

Just wrap an old shirt around your hand, so when you are pulling off the old wires, you won't bust your hands on s__t.

No one mentioned using a torque wrench. I'd torque the new plugs to about 15-16 ft/lbs. You don't want them to work themselves loose which will happen if you don't tighten them to spec. You don't absolutely have to have a torque wrench but it's nice. Also use anti-seize on the threads of the new plugs.

 

[BoatsRcool]

alright how do i know how long each wire should be, or do i just compare the old one to a new one.

 

[sirhk100]

I always do one at a time so you can compare wire length and you're assured that you put the wire in the correct place. Pull off 1 wire, remove that plug, install new plug, install new wire approxiamtely same length.

 

[Tom M.]

Just size them up. The 3 longest will go on the driver side of the motor. The 3 short will be on the passenger side. Just rememeber to not take all the wires off at once. The best way to do it is one at a time trace it back to the distributor so you dont mess up the firing sequence. The passenger side plugs appear more difficult than they really are. To get the front plug just go behind the hoses with an extension. To get the last plug turn your wheel all the way to the right get a swivel and few extensions and go through the gap in the wheel well.

 

[BoatsRcool]

well I went ahead and just took off the wheel well to do it, i have done it before so it was real simple for me, but anyway, the plugs and wires job went great and fast. I took her for a test drive, and that REALLY bad bogging that i usually get anytime i gas it hard is ALL GONE. Im really happy!!!! Well worth the $50 I spent. Thanks guys. Now to go work on the a/c conversion....

(my mom will only let me drive the explorer up to the mtns. friday if i fix the A/c and the bogging thing.)